Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and often begins during a person's teens or early 20s.
Signs
1 Nearsightedness
2 Astigmatism
3 Blurred vision - even when wearing glasses and contact lenses
4 Glare at night
5 Light sensitivity
6 Frequent prescription changes in glasses and contact lenses
7 Eye rubbing
The first line of treatment for patients with keratoconus is to fit rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Because this type of contact is not flexible, it creates a smooth, evenly shaped surface to see through. However, because of the cornea's irregular shape, these lenses can be very challenging to fit. This process often requires a great deal of time and patience.
When vision deteriorates to the point that contact lenses no longer provide satisfactory vision, corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the diseased cornea with a healthy one.
